News & Insights

Practice Area: Architects and Engineers

Massachusetts Supreme Court Rules That Statute Of Repose For Construction And Design Defect In Multi-Building Project Ran When Each Building Was Substantially Completed

In D’Allessandro v. Lennar Hingham Holdings, LLC, 2020 WL 6438937 (Mass. Nov. 3, 2020), the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held the statute of repose governing the claims for design and construction defects for a multi-building condominium project began to run when each building was opened for its intended use or was substantially completed, not when…
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North Carolina Appellate Court Rules The Licensure Defense Does Not Bar Contractor’s Negligence Claims Against Design Professionals

In Wright Construction Services, Inc.v. The Hard Art Studio, PLLC, 2020 WL 7906704 (N.C. App. Dec. 31, 2020), a North Carolina appellate court held that the “licensure defense,” which prevents a builder that is unlicensed at the start of a project from recovering in a breach of contract claim, does not apply to negligence claims…
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Michigan Court Of Appeals Finds Architect Did Not Owe Project Owner A Duty Absent A Contract Or Special Relationship

In Rochester Endoscopy and Surgery Center, LLC and Jaro Company, LLC v. DesRosiers Architects, PC, 2020 WL 6231823 (Mich. App. October 22, 2020), the Court of Appeals of Michigan granted Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss the professional negligence claims against the architect. The Rochester Plaintiffs purchased a unit in a condominium, which they intended to convert…
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Fraud Claims Asserted By Homeowner Against Engineer Dismissed For Lack Of Specificity

In Hinman v. ValleyCrest Landscape, Inc. and Aquatic Design & Engineering, Inc., No. 3:19-cv-551, 2020 WL 434161 (M.D. Tenn. Jan. 28, 2020), the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee granted Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss the fraud claims alleged against the engineer for lack of specificity in the pleading.   Plaintiff, the…
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New York Appellate Court Rules Owners Claim Against Architect Accrued Upon Completion Of The Project Rather Than When Damage Was Discovered

In Town of West Seneca v. Kideney Architects, P.C., 2020 WL 5867490 (N.Y. App. Oct 2, 2020), a New York appellate court held a project owner’s claim against the architect accrued, and the statute of limitations began, upon completion of the project, rather than discovery of the damage.  Town of West Seneca, the project owner,…
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Texas Court Of Appeals Reaffirms Strict Adherence To Certificate Of Merit Requirements In Case Involving Engineering Firm

Plaintiffs continue to struggle in compliance with Certificate of Merit requirements in Texas. In TRW Engineers, Inc. v. Hussion Street Buildings, LLC, 2020 WL 4457975 (Tex. Ct. App. August 4, 2020), the Texas Court of Appeals held that an engineer’s deposition testimony, which was read into the record by the plaintiff, did not obviate the…
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Texas Court Of Appeals Rules Certificates Of Merit Are Required If The Alleged Tortious Actions Originate, Stem Or Result From The Practice Of Engineering

In Whitaker v. R2M Engineering, LLC, 2020 WL 2786941 (Tex. Ct. App, May 28, 2020), the Texas Court of Appeals held that plaintiff’s alleged damages arose out of the provision of professional services by a licensed or registered professional, triggering the Certificate of Merit requirements. Texas Department of Transportation (“TDOT”) hired R2M Engineering, LLC (“R2M”)…
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